Educational board game apparatus

ABSTRACT

Colored squares on a dice throw &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;move ahead&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; board determine the choice of color distinguished piles of problem cards from which a problem card is selected for solution. The card shows the problem or question and contains a hidden answer.

United States Patent 1 1 1111 3,831,946

Denalsky 1 Aug. 27, 1974 I EDUCA'IIONAL BOARD GAME 2.717.157 1/1 /55 Dylcwski 27:1 134 AC APPARATUS 3,367,662 2/l968 Charles (it 211.. 273/l34 AD 3,565,437 2/1971 Mitchell 273/134 AD [76] Inventor: Donna Denalsky, 3 Winthrop St.,

Tariffville, Conn. 06081 Przmary Exammer-Delbert B. Lowe [22] Flled: 281 1973 Attorney, Agent, or F irm Peter Costas [21] Appl. No.: 336,796

[57] ABSTRACT [52] U.S. Cl. 273/134 AD, 273/134 C, 273/134 D,

273/ 1 34 E, 35/9 E, 35/70 Colored squares on a dice throw move ahead board [51] Int. Cl. A631 3/00 determine the choice of color distinguished piles of [58] Field of Search 273/134 problem cards from which a problem card is selected for solution. The card shows the problem or question [56] References Cited and contains a hidden answer.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 3 Cl 3 Dr F 2.026.082 12/1935 Darrow 273 134 AD alms awmg gums /0 11 e1 s 21 o C1 0 N 1? STARK- f 3 51/6 P/5 51:72 E FREE 2/ SPACE Z Fiaee 2/ were 1 2 5 4 5 A T L)? 6 7 8 9 lO/g N FlNlSH H EFGH EDUCATIONAL BOARD GAME APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to childrens board games, more particularly to competitive board games that combine educational features.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a play board showing a course from start to finish in which each step or block differs in color from the block behind or ahead, a throwing die or spinner card and an assortment of cards, each card presenting a question with a hidden answer and the cards distinguishable in two or more colors. The player throws the die or turns the spinner, moves the requisite number of boxes and selects a problem card from the pile agreeing in color with the box on which the counter falls. When a player solves the problem another throw or spin is allowed. In this manner, self-instruction is obtained in an entertaining manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an instructional game that is attractive, yet cheap to produce, thereby appealing to a wide market.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other objects will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the game board;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one play counter, the answer shown concealed; and

FIG. 3 is similar to FIG. 2 except that the answer is revealed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT Referring to the figures there is shown a play board and a problem card 11.

Play board 10 shows a starting box 12 leading into a course of successive boxes in different colors such as a red box 14, a yellow box 15, a blue box 16, and so on. Problem card 11 has its face 17 divided into a problem area 18 providing a problem such as the addition problem shown, and an answer area 19 that is hidden by a removable slip 20.

The game is competitive and is programmed to self teach the child the simplicity of the number system in the embodiment shown. Any type of problem, other than numbers, may be used in accordance with the age group of the players without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The game begins by having each child select a colored mover which will be positioned on the board by a throw of a die or a turn of a spinner. Then, in turn, each child selects a colored problem card which corresponds in color to the box beneath the mover. The

player will attempt to solve the problem in order to move ahead on the board. Failure to give the correct response moves the counter back three spaces whereas a correct response maintains the counter in the space. 5 The open competition of the game allows not only the challenged player but also the remaining players to solve the problem.

Although departure in the playing rules is within the scope of the invention, an important feature are the free spaces 21 which are designed to relieve any tension which a player may have developed through con stant mental strain. The game progresses until a player reaches the finish.

The present invention provides. an enjoyable way of learning basic mathematical problems, when compared to routine drill. The childs response is immediately confirmed or corrected by revealing the answer on the problem card. This game can be used in a classroom as well as in the home as an enriching mental type of thinking which does away with pencil, paper and punishment.

What I claim is:

1. A competitive educational board game, primarily for young children, comprising a moving board in which a multiplicity of boxes are differentially colored so that no two adjoining boxes are the same color; a playing counter; a die or spinner to determine by chance the number of boxes said counter may be moved; and a multiplicity of problem cards divided into a plurality of groups with each group having color indicia on at least one face thereof to correspond with a different one of the colors of said boxes of said playing board, whereby said boxes determine the selection of a problem card of a group agreeing in color therewith, each of said cards having one surface portion thereof presenting a visible problem and a second portion providing a hidden answer to the problem, said second portion including removable means normally covering said hidden answer and removable to expose said answer.

2. A game according to claim 1 wherein said boxes are divided into two species, the boxes of the second species having indicia differing from that of the boxes of the first species, the boxes of said first species providing colors corresponding to the colors of said groups of cards, whereby indicia of said second species may indicate that no problem card is to be selected.

3. A game according to claim 1 wherein one face of said problem card is divided into two areas providing said portions thereof, one area open and presenting the problem, the other area providing the hidden answer, and wherein said removable means is a slidable slip of paper or cardboard covering said other area. 55 =i 

1. A competitive educational board game, primarily for young children, comprising a moving board in which a multiplicity of boxes are differentially colored so that no two adjoining boxes are the same color; a playing counter; a die or spinner to determine by chance the number of boxes said counter may be moved; and a multiplicity of problem cards divided into a plurality of groups with each group having color indicia on at least one face thereof to correspond with a different one of the colors of said boxes of said playing board, whereby said boxes determine the selection of a problem card of a group agreeing in color therewith, each of said cards having one surface portion thereof presenting a visible problem and a second portion providing a hidden answer to the problem, said second portion including removable means normally covering said hidden answer and removable to expose said answer.
 2. A game according to claim 1 wherein said boxes are divided into two species, the boxes of the second species having indicia differing from that of the boxes of the first species, the boxes of said first species providing colors corresponding to the colors of said groups of cards, whereby indicia of said second species may indicate that no problem card is to be selected.
 3. A game according to claim 1 wherein one face of said problem card is divided into two areas providing said portions thereof, one area open and presenting the problem, the other area providing the hidden answer, and wherein said removable means is a slidable slip of paper or cardboard covering said other area. 